Scoliosis and Giving birth

lesnouk wrote:

I've been reading tons of things on the internet, and its freaking me out. I have an S curve spine, curve in my neck, shoulder blades and lower back. My left ribs pop out more than my right and my hips are a bit uneven. I still walk everyday and occasionally have back pain. I know wide set hips help out with vaginal birth, but mine are uneven.. how is that going to affect the birthing process? also, I've read that sometimes epidurals do not work for people with scoliosis (like it just won't take and they have to go on with stronger anesthesia) it really scares me! it makes me think that I might have to have a c section and be put to sleep during the birth of my baby. Does anyone else have scoliosis and a birthing experience to share to help ease my anxiety??

I have a minor scholiosis and had an epidural during my first birth and it worked perfectly, this birth I am again planning an epidural BUT broke my back in march of this year I am lucky I am still able to walk and am hoping my back holds out through this pregnancy I'm 9 weeks. But I think if you go in with a open mind and mentally prepare for all possibilities you will be fine :) and regardless you will have your beautiful baby in the end :)

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ransga

@lesnouk I do! And i am having baby #5 and home birth #3. I never had epidural so i can't help you with that, sorry. However i had very bad back pain labor with every one. Counter pressure always helped ease it for me to a minimum. Its only after i had last baby my spine in my back and neck got so out of place and so painful i ended up going to chiropractor for months. You can still have awesome pregnancy and labor with our condition! Good luck!

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immaterialgirl

@lesnouk My mum had both me and my sister with a scoliosis via natural birth. If you really want to avoid a c section I'd say to gear yourself up for a natural birth. You body can handle it and will likely rebound better as well! All meds have tons of side effects anyhow... Read a great empowering natural childbirth book like Ina May Gaskin's "Guide to Childbirth" and find yourself a doula or midwife. You can do it!

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melscott62

@lesnouk my cousin has two rods in her back from scliosis. she has had four babies vaginally... all with epidurals that worked great. good luck!

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francesita85

@lesnouk I have it in the middle of my back. Didnt take the epidural but not because of it but because i was using heparin and it could cause bleeding and leave me paralized :( didnt need it though and had a great vaginal delivery. Trust me its more anxiety that has you like this than the actual implications

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lgski

@mcgeelisha I have scoliosis and have rods in my back. I delivered vaginally 3 weeks ago with no problems. I was told, however, that I could not have an epidural but that was mainly because of the rods. So I did it without pain meds. They were able to do a spinal block if I needed a c section though. So I wouldn't freak out if I were you. I would talk to your dr about it though if you are that concerned. I'm sure they would have some answered for you.

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Aurorasflower

@lesnouk I have scoliosis bad enough that they were considering surgery before I stopped growing. My back is a backward S shape with a lumbar curve. One shoulder is lower than the other and my hips are wide set. I decided not to get the epidural because when they described how it would be, the nurse said she'd stick me and then ask me if it felt like the needle was going left or right because it's harder to find the epidural pass and increased odds of complications. I have had two children now and both times I used one dose of IV pain mess about half way through. They wore off long before pushing though. I took them to help me rest in between. My first labor sucked but I just kept saying "this too shall pass." I recovered quickly and had no pain after he came out. My second labor was much better and I felt more after he came out but I would still do it again! There is nothing like getting to hold that little baby for the first time! Good luck with everything!

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babyinc

@lesnouk i have a minor case, this is my first pregnancy. i was reading your post and i didnt know about the epidural not working on some people with scoliosis, im due in two weeks it kind of worries me about it might not work i too am a wimp when it comes to pain, i dont like pain

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sfaunch

hi i also have scholiosis and i also have another condition called hemi hypertrophy which is an over groth on the one side of my body by 3-1/2cm up to my neck, even with all this i have still been able to have two children with a natural birth no problems if u are still worred u can ask your midwife but im sure you will be fine, hope this helps

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ashnem3

Hi I have a minor case of scoliosis and I have gotten an epidural w both my sons. It worked amazingly for the labor part (didn't feel any contractions after the epi) but both times it did not work for the pushing part of delivery. I felt everything.... But at least I was rested up from not having a hard labor. I am now 37 wks w my third son and definitely plan on getting an epidural again. I just hope it doesn't take 45 min and 5 sticks to get it in this time. Good luck!!!

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rlhenson123

I have rods in my back from Scoliosis. Had to have a c section with general as the spinal block did not work for me. Just had my second baby boy a month ago. Hang in there. As long as you don't have rods I think you'll be fine.

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